Saku Day (Saku no Hi)

What Is Saku Day?

Every year on March 9th, Japan observes "Saku Day" (Saku no Hi), established by the Shinshu Saku Cake Artisans' Association (信州佐久ケーキ職人の会) in Saku, Nagano Prefecture — a city counted among Japan's "three great cake towns" — and also called "Saku Day / Cake Day." The date comes from a number wordplay: "sa (3) - ku (9)" sounds like "Saku," and the aim is to promote Saku's delicious cakes. It is also a good occasion to look at the rich nature around Mount Asama and the Chikuma River and at Saku's reputation as a town of healthy longevity.

Saku: A Town of Cakes and Healthy Longevity

Saku is known both as a cake town and for the phrase "pinkoro" — living energetically and passing away peacefully without a long illness.

• One of Japan's three great cake towns: Saku is counted with Kobe and Jiyugaoka among Japan's "three great cake towns." Fruit grown in its sunny climate with large temperature swings, good milk and eggs, and skilled pastry chefs support its reputation. The association also runs a "Dream Cake Design Award," in which members actually bake cakes designed by the public.
• A pioneer in preventive medicine: Thanks to the rural medicine movement led by Dr. Toshikazu Wakatsuki of Saku Central Hospital, Saku has a long history of community-wide health management.
• Long hours of sunshine: Saku is known for its long annual sunshine hours and many clear days.

Fascinating Facts About Saku

• A link to deep space: The former town of Usuda, now part of Saku, is home to JAXA's Usuda Deep Space Center, whose large parabolic antenna has been used to communicate with deep-space probes.
• Farthest from the sea: The point in Japan farthest from any coastline is said to lie in the mountains of Saku (former Usuda).
• A shinkansen station: Sakudaira Station opened in 1997 with the Nagano (now Hokuriku) Shinkansen, greatly improving access from the Tokyo area.
• Anyoji ramen: A local miso ramen named after Anyoji Temple in Saku, said to be the birthplace of Shinshu miso.
• Post towns along the Nakasendo: Towns like Iwamurada, Shionada, Yawata, and Mochizuki retain their old-fashioned charm, offering a glimpse into history.

Refresh Your Mind and Body in the Clear Mountain Air

Saku Day is a day to learn the wisdom of living vigorously and healthily in harmony with majestic mountains and rivers. Step away from the bustle of the city and embrace the gentle passage of time and the simple happiness that seasonal produce brings. On March 9th, why not connect with the spirit of "good health" and hospitality that the people of Saku cherish, and bring a new rhythm and sparkle into your own life?

Tips for Enjoying Saku Day

• In honor of Cake Day, enjoy a cake from your favorite patisserie
• Enjoy delicious Shinshu soba, miso, or local sake, and savor the flavors nurtured by Saku's land and climate
• Research Saku's tourist spots, the JAXA observatory, and its historic post towns, and plan your next trip
• Following the "pinkoro" spirit of healthy longevity, set a small goal for taking care of your own mind and body

Walk Forward with a Clear Sky and a Clear Heart

March 9th is a day for the refreshing breeze of Saku to blow through your heart, bringing new vitality. May the accumulated history and natural blessings of this land help you grow a little bigger and healthier. May today open up your view and lead you confidently toward a rich and rewarding future — the most "refreshing" day of all!